Almonds, plasters, egg and more...

Sam Kermer, talent agent, UK

Allergy: Almonds and birch trees “I actually had a reaction a few years ago — hard to breathe and my ears, thrust and gums became itchy. I started to go into anaphylactic shock and woke up in hospital on a drip. I had a skin test a month later which said I was allergic to almonds and birch trees.”

Sophie Samuelian, theatre arts teacher and performing artist, Armenia

Allergy: Plasters “If I have a cut of any sort, or surgery or wound, I won’t be able to tolerate regular band aids or the regular nylon tape over a bandage. I get little red bumps, and it itches like hell. The treatment is cortisone anti-itching cream.”

Terry Skinner, freelance carpenter, UK

Allergy: Wasps “After four wasp stings, there was no reaction. Then one sting later, five minutes on the floor, I could stand up but felt drunk and I went into anaphylaxis shock. I got two injections as this injection goes straight to the heart . According to doctors, I had 30 minutes till death. Antihistamine were also taken.”

Paul Spaccavento, CEO/founder of Vento entertainment, Australia

Allergy: Gluten, lactose “Gluten and lactose are correlated, gluten intake amplifies the lactose intolerance. Both cause lethargy, bloating, severe indigestion and long-term use usually leads to depression. To compound it, pizza is my favourite food, but stay away due to the above! The moral of the story is always have antihistamine in cupboard — you never know when an allergy may spring up.” Chiara de Maria, personal assistant, Italy Allergy: Egg, wheat flour, pistachio and hazelnut “I get severe skin acne whenever I eat foods with egg, wheat flour, pistachio or hazelnut. My only option is to stop eating these food and remain acne-free.” Nadia Zamlinksa, MBA student, Ukraine Allergy: Pencillin antibiotics “I got rash all over body with fever. I also found difficulty in breathing. I had to wait till the medicine is flushed out of my body to get back to normal.”